Case Study/Reaction Paper the Stanford Prison Experiment

| Case Study/Reaction Paper | The Stanford Prison Experiment | |

Reviewing and Analyzing:
The Stanford Prison Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment was conducted at Stanford University in California from August 14 to August 20, 1971. Led by psychology professor Philip Zimbardo, twenty-four male students whom were chosen out of 75, were randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards, for an investigation into the causes of conflict between military guards and prisoners. According to Zimbardo, this was funded through the US Office of Naval Research and took place out of the basement of the Stanford psychology building which they transformed into a mock prison [ (Stanford Prison Experiment, 2013) ]. The participants, who were chosen, answered a newspaper ad asking for volunteers to help establish psychological effects on those in prison; while being paid $15 per day. [ (Stanford Prison Experiment, 2013) ]. In order to conceal the surroundings of the area, and to make it more believable, the “prisoners” were blindfolded anytime that they left their cell in order to make sure no one could visualize the exit. Prisoners were not addressed by their name, but by their ID numbers; giving them a sense that they were no longer more valuable than the guy in a cell down. Guards wore khaki shirt and pants that were similar to that of an actual prison guard, and mirrored sunglasses to prevent any eye contact. The prisoners on the other hand, wore only a white gown no undergarments, a chain around one ankle, and a stocking cap; made out of women’s leggings. The prison cells were able to hold three prisoners each, and until the study was complete, that is where the participants would spend all day and night. The guards however, worked their eight-hour shifts and were able to go home after every day. On the second day of the experiment, the three prisoners in a cell, blocked their cell door with their beds and took of their stocking caps; refusing to come out. [ (Stanford Prison Experiment, 2013) ] The guards ultimately came up with a decision, and that was to set up a “privilege cell”. The other prisoners, whom were not involved in the riot, were allowed special treatment like better meal quality. This cell allowed guards to once again gain control over the prison. The cell also allowed for the guards to use psychological tactics on the prisoners, calling some “good prisoners” and “bad prisoners” [ (Stanford Prison Experiment, 2013) ]. After only 36 hours, cell mate #8612 began to act crazy. Screaming, cursing, and had a rage out of control. After awhile, the guards and Zimbardo finally were convinced this participant was suffering and they released him [ (Stanford Prison Experiment) ]. Soon, the guards would take their control a little bit further on those still in the study. Making the prisoners repeat daily duties such as cleaning their cell, cleaning toilets without gloves, over and over. This was one a power affect, and two to insure this was their new identity. Punishments for not following the rules included “the hole” and push-ups. The guards became increasingly cruel as the experiment continued. Such as not allowing the prisoners to urinate or defecate anywhere but in a bucket placed in their cell. Sometimes the guards wouldn’t even let the prisoners empty the bucket. Removing mattresses, stripping inmates of clothing, was the guards way of embarrassing the prisoners. Ultimately the participants, the guards, prisoners, and even Zimbardo himself were all into their roles, and their new identities. As superintendent, Zimbardo was soon addressed by parents and even a more outside source on treatments occurring during this study, after a visitation was allowed. Christina Maslach, a graduate student in psychology whom Zimbardo was dating at the time, was the one who questioned its morality. Six days into the two week’s planned duration, the Stanford Prison Experiment was closed [ (Stanford Prison Experiment) ]. The findings were that the situation, rather than individual personalities, caused the behavior of the prisoners and guards [ (Stanford Prison Experiment, 2013) ]. The Stanford Prison Experiment in my eyes, seems like something we all have thought about here and there; “I wonder what I would do if I were stuck in a cell for that long.” While a lot of individuals can argue, the thought has never crossed their mind, a lot of others have wondered. While I believe the conditions may not have been the most proper, in all reality, a lot of the treatment done in the experiment happens in prisons. I find it very interesting to learn from a hands-on experience. I can understand the debate on this study due to the psychological affects it took on the participants, but I find more and more that sometimes, a study needs to be accurately done, in order to get the best results. While I do not favor the treatment, I also realize that in prisons, it can become much worse than the situation these volunteers were put through. Riots, stabbings, suicides, prison “gangs”, even rape occurs. The treatment that occurs in most prison systems is a debatable topic itself, because they are there for breaking the law, sometimes even harming another individual is the reason, therefore a lot of us become numb to the knowledge of what actually occurs behind the walls. The Stanford Prison Experiment for me was a learning opportunity. I find that a lot of people could really learn something from researching this topic. Control is not always at the grips of our own hands, sometimes our mind decides to take over; creating a new identity, good or bad.

Works Cited
Stanford Prison Experiment. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment
Stanford Prison Experiment. (2013, February 6). Retrieved February 14, 2013, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment

Cited: Stanford Prison Experiment. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment Stanford Prison Experiment. (2013, February 6). Retrieved February 14, 2013, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment